A Short fictional story about a hopeless romantic.

The soft glow of Christmas lights danced across the snowy streets of Washington DC. 33-year-old Asia Monroe sat curled up on her couch, sipping a mug of warm crown royal and apple cider. Her skin, smooth and radiant, caught the light of the Christmas tree as she pulled her blanket tighter around her shoulders. With her full cheekbones, plump lips, and almond-shaped eyes, she was often told she resembled Lauren London, a compliment she’d graciously accepted, though it didn’t quite ease the ache of loneliness she felt this holiday season.

“I just want something different… magical,” Asia murmured to herself, her voice barely louder than the Chris Brown’s “This Christmas” song playing softly in the background.

As an independent woman who ran her own interior design firm, Asia had everything she needed… except someone to share it with. Every Christmas, she found herself wishing for a partner, someone to hold her close during snowy nights and laugh with her at corny holiday movies.

This year, Asia had reluctantly agreed to attend her best friend’s annual Christmas party downtown at The Hamilton Hotel. She wasn’t in the mood to mingle, but the thought of spending another silent night alone pushed her out the door.

The party was in full swing by the time Asia arrived. The room was warm with laughter, and the scent of mulled wine, citrus and cinnamon hung in the air. Her fitted dark green dress hugged her curves in all the right places, and her honey-brown hair, styled in loose waves, framed her glowing face.

“Roe! Over here!” her friend Nicole called, dragging her toward a group of people she didn’t recognize.

That’s when she saw him.

Standing by the Christmas tree, a tall man with rich glowing skin and a presence that seemed to command the room caught her eye. He had a chiseled jawline, warm brown eyes, and a smile that could melt the coldest winter night. His sharp, tailored blazer fit perfectly, accentuating broad shoulders and a strong frame.

“Asia Monroe, this is Donte,” Nicole introduced casually.

“Nice to meet you,” Donte said, his deep, velvet voice sending a shiver down Asia’s spine.

“Likewise,” she replied, her usual poise very slightly falling under his gaze.

They ended up talking the entire night. Donte was a firefighter, newly relocated from North Carolina, with a passion for community service and cooking, he’d perfected his grandmother’s peach cobbler recipe. Asia found herself laughing more than she had in months, captivated by his humor and authenticity.

By the end of the evening, Donte leaned in close, the scent of cedar and spice filling the space between them. “Can I take you out for coffee tomorrow? Or maybe something more festive? A sleigh ride, perhaps?”

Asia smiled, her dimples deepening. “I think I’d like that.”

The days that followed felt like a scene out of a holiday movie. Donte surprised her with hot chocolate from her favorite café, took her ice skating under twinkling lights, and even joined her for a Christmas Eve volunteer event at the local shelter.

On Christmas morning, as snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky, Donte knocked on Asia’s door. He held a small box tied with a red ribbon.

“What’s this?” she asked, her heart racing.

“Open it and see,” he said, his smile as warm as the crackling fire behind her.

Inside was a delicate silver charm bracelet with a single charm—a tiny house.

“For building something together,” Donte said, taking her hands in his. “Asia, I know we’ve only just met, but this feels… right. I’ve never met someone who makes me feel like home the way you do.”

Tears filled Asia’s eyes as she nodded. “It feels right to me too.”

A year later, the two were married in a cozy ceremony surrounded by family and friends. They spent their first Christmas as husband and wife decorating their home, laughing as Donte tried and failed miserably to hang lights evenly.

Asia couldn’t believe her Christmas wish had come true. She had found her miracle, and as Donte pulled her close under the mistletoe, she knew she’d never spend another holiday alone.

It was the happily ever after she’d always dreamed of, and it was only the beginning.

Xoxo, Drea